SHIM, Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank distribute essentials in Bethel Park
South Hills Interfaith Movement partnered with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Bethel Park municipality to distribute food to more than 500 carloads in a two-hour mass distribution June 20.
A volunteer places a box of supplies in a car trunk during the distribution.
Families from across the region came to Bethel Park High School to receive three boxes each of food: produce, meat/poultry and nonperishable items.
As the effects of COVID-19 continue to impact food security in the region, SHIM is partnering with the food bank to host distributions. The first took place May 16 at South Hills Village, with occupants of nearly 1,000 vehicles served.
Since March, when SHIM began offering drive-through food pantries, the nonprofit human services organization has experienced a 28% increase in people seeking help with basic needs like food and financial assistance. In April alone, SHIM’s pantries in Bethel Park, Baldwin Borough and Whitehall served 745 households and nearly 2,400 individuals, with nearly half of the pantry visitors being new.
Volunteers take safety precautions while distributing boxes of food.